ENVD Alumni Awards
Previous Alumni Award Winners
Distinguished Alum 2026: Carole Wedge (EnvDes’81)
Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Wedge, winner of the 2026 ENVD Distinguished Alumni Award, has more than three decades of experience in architecture and design leadership. She served 17 years as CEO of Shepley Bulfinch, one of the nation's largest architecture and interior design firms, where she drove the firm's national expansion, fostered an open and collaborative culture, and spearheaded a rebrand that revitalized the firm's institutional identity. She began her transition into the role of AIA Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer in December 2025, and now leads AIA's national office in Washington, D.C., overseeing a team of approximately 150 employees while working with more than 200 chapters across the nation and abroad.Ìý
Her leadership extends beyond practice into advocacy and mentorship. Wedge played a pivotal role in founding the AIA Women's Leadership Summit and has served on numerous boards and executive committees, including AIA's Board of Directors, the Architects Foundation, the Large Firm Roundtable, the Boston Society of Architects, Boston Architectural College, and Wentworth Institute of Technology. She also sits on the independent board of AIA Contract Documents.Ìý
In recognition of her leadership, Wedge received the 2020 AIA Edward C. Kemper Award. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College.
Young Designer 2025: Mackinzi Taylor (EnvDes’17)Ìý
Taylor is a passionate and dedicated planning professional with a background in landscape architecture, urban design, land use and policy planning, and community engagement. She contributes strong organizational skills, aesthetic and accessible products, and clear communication to her projects, as well as a deep love for the American West. After five years in consulting, she is thrilled to be working in the nonprofit space where she can partner with communities to reach implementable solutions and envision a more livable future.Ìý
Taylor lives in Loveland with her fiancé, Scott, and their many plants. She is a project manager for Community Builders, a nonprofit that assists local leaders in building healthy, equitable and prosperous communities. Outside of work, you can find her climbing at one of the many local crags, biking to a brewery, backpacking in canyon country or hosting game night. She is a certified planner with a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ.Ìý
Distinguished Alum 2025: Sarah Broughton (EnvDes’96) FAIA, NCIDQ, founding principal, Rowland+Broughton ArchitectureÌýÌý
Since founding R+B in 2003 with her husband, John Rowland AIA, Broughton has embraced a holistic model of practice, continuously elevating the firm’s reputation for excellence in design. She champions the firm’s overriding belief that sustainable design is an integral component to delivering high-quality, thoughtful projects that stand the test of time. The health and well-being of clients are critical, and inclusivity is a hallmark of all interactions.ÌýÌýÌý
Broughton’s experience includes high-end hospitality and residential architecture, interior design, urban design, and historic preservation. Her design leadership spans studios in Aspen and Denver, with projects ranging from coast to coast and beyond. In 2022, as a licensed architect, Broughton was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows, which recognizes significant contributions to the profession of architecture and society.ÌýÌýÌý
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Broughton has held multiple leadership positions at R+B, including chair of the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission and 2023 AIA Colorado president, and is frequently invited to sit on awards juries and speak on panels, webinars and podcasts. Under her leadership, R+B has been named AIA Colorado Firm of the Year, and team projects have received awards from AIA Colorado, IIDA, ASID Colorado and PSMJ, among others, plus being featured in dozens of publications.Ìý ÌýÌý
In addition to her architectural leadership, Broughton and Rowland are the authors of Designing Aspen: The Houses of Rowland+Broughton, which showcases 10 remarkable residential projects set against the spectacular backdrop of Aspen and the Rocky Mountains. Deeply engaged in the arts and culture community, Broughton serves on the board of trustees for the Aspen Music Festival + School as secretary, is a board member of the Aspen Art Museum and was the guest curator of the museum’s inaugural design room.ÌýÌýÌý
The firm’s convergent design philosophy led to an invitation for the firm to participate in the 2023 Venice Architectural Biennale, hosted by the European Cultural Centre, an international platform that highlights innovative architectural thinking and fosters dialogue between global designers, institutions and the public.
Recognition & Benefits
Nominating a fellow Forever Design Buff for an Alumni Award is a unique way to give back to ENVDÌýby sharing the stories of Buffs that are making an impact in theirÌýcommunity.Ìý
- Award winners receive a custom engraved acrylic buffaloÌýand are featured on the Environmental DesignÌýwebsite and social channels.Ìý
- Award winners are invited to participate in a recognition presentation and lecture, followed by a dinner with the ENVD Director and special guests.
Nominations
Nominations go live mid-summer and winners will be announced during the fall semester.Ìý
Submission materials will be accepted through an online form. Self-nominations are allowed. Submissions should include:Ìý
- Nominee name, year of graduation, major/specialization, email
- Written statement illustrating achievements, professional contributions, public service and web links to portfolio and/or media mentions